SBD Tuition and Aid

The total cost for the full semester program in 2025 is $35,818 including tuition ($26,368), fees for text books and lab expenses ($900), and housing and meals ($8,550). The cost for a quarter-based program is $26,931. Federal financial aid is transferable and limited scholarships are available. 2026 full semester and quarter-based program costs will be updated as available.

Tuition Refund Policy

If a student withdraws from the SBD program, MBL will consider the number of days the student was enrolled during the program (i.e., the period commencing on the first day of the Program up to the date which the student provides notice of withdrawal or the last day the student participated in instruction activity in the program).  The tuition is refundable on a prorated basis based on the percent of the program completed, which is determined by dividing the number of days the student was enrolled in the program by the total number of days of the program. Room and board and fees paid are not refundable, unless they were paid for using Title IV federal funds received by the student’s home institutions, in which case they will be refunded in accordance with federal law.

If you have any questions about the Semester in Biological Discovery Program, please contact the SBD Administrator at sbd@mbl.edu.